Understanding Working in the Health Sector - Level 2
Summary
Are you looking to build your knowledge and take the next step towards a career in the health sector? This course is designed for individuals who want to develop a deeper understanding of how health services operate and the skills needed to work effectively within them.
You will explore the structure of the health sector, the roles and responsibilities of healthcare workers, and the standards required to deliver safe, effective care. The course will also develop your understanding of communication, equality, and health and safety in professional settings.
Whether you are progressing from Level 1 or looking to strengthen your knowledge, this qualification will support you to move forward within the Prepare to Care pathway and prepare for further study or employment in the health sector.
Entry Requirements
Technical Entry Requirements:
- Age: 19 years or over (19+)
Additional Non-Qualification-Based Entry Requirements:
- DBS Check: While a DBS check is not required for enrolment on the course, it is essential for those seeking employment in health and social care settings. This check is usually arranged through placement or employment.
- English and Maths: A basic level of English and Maths is recommended to support your learning and help you engage confidently with the course content.
These entry requirements ensure that students are well-prepared to succeed in the programme and to pursue future opportunities in health and social care environments.
Where can this subject lead?
Career progression
This qualification is designed for individuals looking to progress within the adult health and social care sector. It is ideal for learners who want to build on their existing knowledge and develop a deeper understanding before moving into more advanced study or employment.
You will develop the knowledge and confidence needed to take your next step, whether that is progressing into further qualifications or exploring opportunities within healthcare settings.
On successful completion, learners can progress within the Prepare to Care pathway into more specialised areas, supporting progression towards employment across a range of adult health and care environments.
Next steps at B&FC
On successful completion of this qualification, learners can progress to further study within the Health and Social Care curriculum at Blackpool and The Fylde College. This course forms part of the Prepare to Care pathway and supports progression into more advanced qualifications within the adult health and social care sector.
For those wishing to continue their education, the programme offers clear progression routes into specialist pathways, including:
- Health and Social Care Pathway
- PALLIATIVE AND SPECIALIST CARE PATHWAY
- Mental Health Pathway
Employment Opportunities
Upon completing the Prepare to Care programme, students may choose to move directly into employment across a variety of care settings. The qualifications gained provide a strong foundation for entry-level roles that support individuals in need of care, compassion, and practical assistance.
Potential job titles include:
Healthcare Assistant
Support Worker
Personal Care Assistant
Residential Care Worker
Community Care Worker
Mental Health Support Worker
Dementia Care Assistant
Home Care Assistant
Social Care Worker
Rehabilitation Assistant
Key information
Qualification obtained
Certificate in Understanding Working in the Health SectorFees and funding
Please visit our Financial Support page for more information about fees, funding and eligibility.
Extra costs and equipment
There are no additional costs associated with this course.
What will I learn?
This course will develop your understanding of the skills and knowledge needed to work effectively within the health sector. You will build on your existing knowledge and gain a deeper insight into professional practice, preparing you for further study or employment.
You will study a range of key topics, including:
Understanding the role of the healthcare worker
Gain an insight into the responsibilities, duties, and expectations of working within the health sector and how to work effectively as part of a team
Communication skills in healthcare
Develop your understanding of effective communication when working with individuals, colleagues, and other professionals in a range of health settings
Personal development in the health sector
Explore the importance of developing your own skills, knowledge, and behaviours to support your progression and professional practice
Health, safety, and security
Learn about safe working practices and how to maintain a secure environment for both staff and individuals receiving care
Quality standards in healthcare
Understand how high standards of care are maintained and the importance of delivering safe, effective, and person-centred services
Equality, diversity, and inclusion
Develop your understanding of inclusive practice and how to support individuals from a range of backgrounds within healthcare settings
Industry placement, field trips and guest speakers
There is no mandatory work placement required for this programme, making it accessible to learners who may not yet be working or volunteering in health or social care settings. However, gaining voluntary or part-time experience in environments such as care homes, community support services, or mental health organisations is highly encouraged. This hands-on experience can enhance your understanding of the course content and strengthen your future employability.
At Blackpool and The Fylde College, we enrich your learning through a variety of guest speakers and employer engagement activities. These may include visits from healthcare professionals, social care providers, and mental health practitioners, offering valuable insights into real-world practice. These sessions provide opportunities to explore career pathways, ask questions, and connect your classroom learning with the realities of working in the health and social care sector.
Importantly, students on the programme will be offered guaranteed interviews with local employers at the end of the course. This unique opportunity helps you transition into the workforce, build confidence, and potentially secure employment in a health or social care setting.
How will I learn?
Our courses are delivered through a blended learning approach, combining the benefits of face-to-face teaching with the flexibility of digital resources.
The programme primarily focuses on theoretical knowledge but also includes practical hands-on elements to enhance learning and application. This flexible approach ensures that learners can engage with the material in a way that best suits their needs.
Interactive Lectures: Engaging lectures that encourage learner participation and discussion.
Group Work: Collaborative projects and activities that foster teamwork and communication skills.
Practical Workshops: Hands-on sessions where learners can apply theoretical knowledge in practical scenarios.
Online Resources: Access to a wealth of online materials, including videos, articles, and interactive modules.
This flexible yet structured approach ensures that you receive the guidance, peer interaction, and practical experience needed to succeed in the sector.
Expert tutors
All tutors involved in the delivery of adult courses within the College are approved to teach the subjects and modules they deliver.
Our recruitment process ensures that tutors delivering a given programme are suitably qualified and, where appropriate, possess relevant technical and industrial experience and professional practice. The aim of this is to enrich our students’ learning experience and enable them them to get the inside track on what working in the industry is really like
How will I be assessed?
Students will be assessed through a combination of methods designed to evaluate their understanding and practical application of the course material. The assessment process is structured to ensure that students can demonstrate their knowledge and skills effectively.
Assessment Methods:
- Portfolio of Evidence: Throughout the course, students will compile a portfolio of evidence that showcases their learning and achievements. This portfolio will include various forms of assessment such as written assignments, case studies, and practical tasks.
- Written Assignments: These assignments will test students' understanding of theoretical concepts and their ability to apply this knowledge to real-world scenarios.
- Case Studies: Students will analyse specific situations, demonstrating their problem-solving skills and ability to provide appropriate support.
Grading:
- The course is assessed on a pass or fail basis. Students must meet all the assessment criteria for each unit to achieve a pass.
- The portfolio of evidence is a crucial component of the assessment process, as it provides comprehensive proof of the student's competence and understanding.